Trent and Mendy back in training as Madrid prepare for Valencia clash

Real Madrid’s injury woes are finally easing as they prepare for Sunday’s tricky away fixture at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium.

Training intensity ramping up

The lads completed their second of four planned sessions on Thursday under the watchful eyes of fitness guru Antonio Pintus and caretaker boss Álvaro Arbeloa. It was proper graft too - a lengthy, intense workout combining physical conditioning and tactical preparation.

Double fitness boost

The gaffer’s been handed some proper good news on the injury front:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold has completed a full session with the squad - a massive boost after the Englishman’s been sidelined for over two months with a serious muscle problem
• Ferland Mendy also trained normally with the group, appearing to have put his muscle issues behind him

Both players now look set to be available for selection for Sunday’s 9pm kickoff against Valencia.

Still waiting on defensive duo

It’s not all bread and honey for Madrid though. Arbeloa’s still playing the waiting game with two key defenders:

• Antonio Rüdiger continues his personalized training regime
• Dani Carvajal is also working separately from the main group

Both defenders have a couple more sessions to prove their fitness before the weekend clash. They’ll be racing against the clock to get themselves in proper nick for Mestalla.

Rodrygo was spotted working in the gym, though Madrid sources indicate this isn’t injury-related - just part of his normal routine.

Alaba doubt

The one bit of bad news from Thursday’s session was the absence of David Alaba. The Austrian defender is suffering from a nasty bout of flu that kept him away from Valdebebas entirely. As things stand, he’s a doubt for the Valencia match.

Madrid will be keen to field their strongest possible XI at Mestalla, a ground where they’ve had their fair share of troubles over the years. With Barcelona breathing down their necks in the title race, they can’t afford any more slip-ups.